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North San Antonio Chamber Members and Partners,
The 87th Texas Legislative Session is well under way and the issues that the North SA Chamber is tracking continue to move quickly. We continue to monitor numerous bills and their progression, particularly those that are in line with our 2021 87th Legislative Agenda. Below are the key bills that deal with employer mandates, civil litigation, and workforce initiatives that eliminate barriers impacting our business community's ability to recover from downturns as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Civil Litigation
In order to drive down the insurance market and allow businesses to stay in business, we need to recognize the problem. The lawsuit environment our local businesses operate in is unsustainable, and every dollar spent on insurance is a dollar businesses cannot use to pay to their employees, make new hires, or invest in business expansion--all critical in rebuilding after the pandemic. The following bills would help to address exorbitant litigations.
SB207 deals with recovery of medical or health care expenses in civil actions (the paid or incurred reform). This bill has passed the Senate and has been received in the House. Thank you to Senator Donna Campbell for her support on this bill.
These identical bills relate to and the procedure, evidence, and remedies in civil actions related to commercial vehicle litigation reform. HB19 is pending the House calendar. This legislation is critical to the future of San Antonio businesses in order to maintain a strong, job-creating economy in Texas. Investments on business essentials, as opposed to skyrocketing insurance rates, are necessary as business recover from COVID-19. Thanks to Representative Leo Pacheco for his support.
Workforce Credentialing for Transitioning Veterans & Spouses
San Antonio's workforce depends on the balanced distribution of public and private-education funds and resources. Support funding and resources, such as the bills featured below, contribute to a strong workforce for in-demand jobs and high-need occupations.
Both House Bill 33 and House Bill 139 were recently heard in the Veteran Affairs & Border Security Senate Committee on April 21, 2021. House Bill 33 relates to the facilitation of awarding postsecondary course credit that leads to workforce credentialing based on military experience, education, and training. House Bill 139 refers to the state occupational licensing of certain military veterans and military spouses. Thank you to Representative Philip Cortez, Ray Lopez, and Ina Minjarez for their support on these bills.
Senate Bill 14 was passed in the Senate and remains pending in the House. This bill is essential as businesses recover from COVID-19 by essentially preventing the regulation of certain business practices and providing consistency in legislation. Thanks to Senator Donna Campbell for her support on this bill.
City Council Scorecard
As a reminder, Bexar County early voting is occurring now until April 27th and the local Joint General, Special, and Charter Election begins May 1st. The North SA Chamber released The City Council Scorecard which records elected officials votes on key issues impacting economic growth and development throughout their current city council term. Presenting the City Council’s voting record on business-related issues as a ‘scorecard’ is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to this mission. We hope this is a useful tool as you cast your ballot in this year's election.
Sincerely,
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NORTH SA CHAMBER IS HIRING!
Deadline: April 30th
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The Government Affairs Council serves as an advocate for Member businesses and their employees before municipal, county, state, and federal officials on political policy issues impacting the economic growth, quality of life, and financial health of local industries. The Council informs and educates Members on proposed initiatives, policies, and legislation which may affect the way business in San Antonio is conducted. |
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Please join us for our next meeting on May 4th. Members interested in joining the Government Affairs Council may contact the NSAC team at Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
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April 15 | Alamo Plan approved by City Council
The revised Alamo Plan agreement between the City of San Antonio and the General Land Office has been approved. City Council approved this operating agreement in a 10-1 vote. The city has $38 million to spend on the project and the state has committed $106 million, so far. The project is expected to begin construction in early 2022 and finish construction in 2024.
Additionally, with the help of local and state leaders, The Alamo Trust unveiled the “18-pounder Losoya House Exhibit," a free public exhibit of a full-size replica of the cannon used in the battlefield of the Alamo in 1836. The North San Antonio Chamber was invited to attend the breakfast and unveiling ceremony to mark the occasion.
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18-Pounder Losoya House Exhibit.
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(Left to Right): Texas Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, San Antonio Councilman Clayton Perry at the Alamo Trust Breakfast. |
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COVID-19 Impact Survey
BEXAR COUNTY NEEDS YOUR INPUT! The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department (SBED) of Bexar County is administering the 2021 COVID-19 Impact Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in the region. This survey is designed to capture information on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your business and the ways in which your business has adapted.
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The Infrastructure Council serves as a resource and strategic advocate for San Antonio regional infrastructure planning and development to improve the quality of life for our members and stakeholders. |
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Join us for our next meeting on May 12, 2021. Members interested in joining the Infrastructure Council may contact the NSAC team at Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
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The Workforce Development Council serves in an advisory role to assess, research, and design strategies that address workforce development challenges and opportunities. North San Antonio Chamber members are kept abreast on local workforce trends and demands, creating programs through collaborative partnerships to address workforce shortages.
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Our next meeting is May 20, 2021. Members interested in joining the Infrastructure Council may contact the NSAC team at Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
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This online webinar will prepare businesses to compete for public procurement contracts and explain the importance of business certifications. Procurement experts from across the state will be participating in a live Q&A. Register here.
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May 4 | Business in Tandem: Cybersecurity and Business Opportunities between companies in San Antonio and Montréal.
This webinar will discuss business opportunities in the cybersecurity sector in San Antonio and Montréal while focusing on the importance of forming strategic alliances, given the current context.
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NSAC Application & Information
Now accepting applications | Program begins Summer 2021
Contact Chris Bugg at cbugg@northsachamber.com | 210.384.7721
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Apply now and join us in this exciting opportunity to grow as a leader in our San Antonio community! |
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Thank you to our 2019 Innovative Leadership Class! We're excited to be back in 2021! |
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April 7 | My Gym Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to My Gym on their grand opening and ribbon cutting! My Gym is a Children's Fitness Center with classes, birthday parties, camps, and parents' night out.
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April 15 | United States Economic Forecast
Robust future expansion is forecasted for the US economy. Although the economy is in a better place now than in the Spring of 2020 when the pandemic began, there is still room for further recovery. 916,000 jobs were added, most notably in the leisure and hospitality, education, and construction industries. 9. The number of unemployed people has decreased to 9.7 million with the unemployment rate falling to 6.0%. Read more about the state of the US Economy in The Perryman Report.
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April 23 | Restaurant Revitalization Fund Webinar with SBA
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April 24 | Texas Vista Medical Center COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
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May 4-5 | Hotel & Restaurant 2-Day Collaborative Job Fair
Workforce Solutions Alamo is hosting a 2 day Hotel & Restaurant Job Fair for the San Antonio and Alamo Region. The local hotel and restaurant industries are currently looking for great people to join their teams. Register here.
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May 18-19 | US Chamber of Commerce Global Forum on Economic Recovery
The US Chamber is hosting it's first annual Global Forum discussing economic recovery themes related to working with international allies and partners in order to build a more inclusive future. Agenda and speakers will be announced soon. Register here.
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Chamber Access & Services |
Temporary & Restricted Office Hours by Phone and Email Only
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
12930 Country Pkwy. | San Antonio, TX 78216
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